POLICE are being investigated after it was revealed that the family of a five-year-old girl who died when a car plunged into an Evesham river had contacted them with concerns before the tragedy.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) will conduct an investigation into the prior contact West Mercia Police had with the family of Gabrielle Grady.

Gabby was trapped when her dad’s car was driven into the river Avon last Thursday. She was freed by police divers, but died three days later in hospital.

Her six-year-old brother Ryan, also a passenger in the Vauxhall Vectra, was pulled from the water at the town’s Hampton Ferry, off Boat Lane, by police officers and has since recovered.

Her father Chris was also rescued from the river and has since been charged with the attempted murder of his children.

Prior to the incident, West Mercia Police had been contacted by the family on several occasions, mainly concerning access to the children.

It was this contact and the subsequent death and serious injury sustained by the children which required West Mercia Police to mandatorily refer the case to the IPCC.

Following an assessment by IPCC investigators, in which they gathered information from West Mercia Police and visited the scene of the incident, the decision was made to conduct a managed investigation.

An appointed member of the force will now carry out an investigation under the direction of the IPCC.

Rachel Cerfontyne, IPCC Commissioner, said: "This is a terrible and tragic incident in which a young girl has died. I extend my sincere condolences to the family at this very difficult time.

"The officers who responded to the incident at the River Avon tried very hard to save both children and our investigation does not indicate that any concerns currently exist regarding their actions.

“However, I feel it is appropriate for us to manage an investigation into the prior contact police had with the family.

“This is not an indication that concerns exist regarding the actions of the police on these occasions but in incidents like this the public need to be confident that the actions of the police were as they should be and all the correct steps were taken in line with the force policies and procedures."

Chief Superintendent Guy Rutter, head of West Mercia Police’s Professional Standards Department, said: “This is a terribly sad incident which has understandably affected many people and I wish to pass on my condolences to the family at this terrible time.

"By law all forces have to refer incidents where there has been previous police contact in cases involving death or serious injury to the IPCC who then have to decide how best to deal with the matter to help reassure public confidence."

As reported in yesterday’s Worcester News flowers, cuddly toys and poems have been left by people in Evesham’s Market Square as the town struggles to come to terms with Gabby’s death.

Among the tributes are messages from Gabby’s relatives, including her mum Kim Wise, aged 36, of Boat Lane, Evesham.

On Sunday a minute’s silence is being planned in Evesham’s Market Square to mark her death.

Organisers of the tribute have secured permission to release pink balloons.

A spokesman for South Worcestershire Police said: "We are aware of the intention for the people of Evesham to come together to remember Gabby on Sunday and we share in the emotions felt by everyone following the tragic events last Thursday.

"Police officers will be present both to represent West Mercia Police and to help ensure the occasion passes off as everyone would wish."

Christopher Grady appeared at Birmingham Crown Court yesterday and was told he is likely to be charged with murdering his five-year-old daughter Gabrielle.

The 41-year-old, of no fixed address, was not required to enter a plea when he appeared before Mrs Justice Rafferty.

Grady was remanded in custody and ordered him to reappear at the same court for a plea hearing on Monday, May 31, when a murder charge is expected to be added to the indictment.